Thinking as a Mathematician

Our mathematicians are working on feeling confident solving addition and subtraction problems using a variety of strategies. Over the past few weeks, the mathematicians have been experimenting with some new strategies that help with efficiency. Many of our mathematicians originally showed their thinking by drawing circles and taking away or adding circles. We are starting to realize we can represent our thinking in a variety of ways!

We also spend a lot of time following the thinking process of a mathematician which can be found below. I want our crew to realize that the job of a mathematician is not to memorize problems, but it is actually all about communication. We have been working on drawing clear models, explaining our thinking by talking with a partner and using our partners' suggestions to revise our thinking. It has been a true joy listening to the conversations our mathematicians have with one another. We are eager to continue this deep, thoughtful work!